Apparatus and method for gaming, gameplay and betting

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for play by a user comprises generating means operable to randomly generate a plurality of symbols, each symbol being one in a predetermined set of symbols, a gaming region defining a plurality of areas, each of which comprises locations relating to respective symbols within a set of symbols, and selection means to enable the selection of one or more locations in two or more areas with a single selection.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 USC 119 of United KingdomPatent Application No. 0413305.4 filed Jun. 15, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to apparatus and a method for gaming,gameplay and betting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for playby a user comprising generating means operable to randomly generate aplurality of symbols, each symbol being one in a predetermined set ofsymbols, a gaming region defining a plurality of areas each of whichcomprises locations each relating to a respective symbol within a set ofsymbols, and selection means to enable the selection of one or morelocations in two or more of the areas with a single selection.

Preferably the selection means enables a user to select one or morelocations within an area independently of any selection in that oranother area. Preferably the selection means enables a user to select aplurality of locations within each area.

Preferably the selection means provides for selection of a plurality oflocations within an area with a single selection preferably where saidlocations are mutually adjacent. Preferably the selection means enablesselection of adjacent locations when a user selects a boundary betweensaid locations.

Preferably the number of areas in the gaming region is the same as thenumber of symbols generated.

The selection means may comprise one or more sensors operable to sensewhich location(s) have been selected by a user. The selection means maycomprise one or more sensors operable to sense contact by a user, suchas a touch sensitive screen, or to sense location of an object, such asa counter, betting chip or the like on the gaming region by a user. Thesensor(s) may be heat, light, weight and/or touch sensitive and arepreferably electrical or electronic in operation.

Alternatively the identification of selected locations may be madevisually by an operative of the apparatus, such as a croupier.

Preferably the selection means enables a user to make at least the samenumber of selections, per play of the apparatus, as the number ofsymbols generated. Preferably the apparatus comprises means to determinethe number of selections a user can make in any one game, which ispreferably determined according to the amount of credit in theapparatus.

Preferably each location in an area comprises a representation of arespective symbol from a set of symbols. Preferably each area has acomplete set of symbols associated therewith. Preferably each area hasthe same number of locations as there are symbols in the respective setof symbols and each location relates to its own symbol within the set.

Preferably the generating means is operable to randomly generate asymbol corresponding to one symbol from a predetermined set of symbols.Preferably each symbol is generated independently of the others.Alternatively, a reference set is provided which comprises an index ofall possible symbol combinations that could be produced using one symbolfrom each of the predetermined sets of symbols, and the generating meansis operable to randomly select one combination from the reference set.

Preferably each set of symbols is the same. The symbols in each set maycomprise a sequence of numbers, which may be represented in numericalorder in the respective area.

Each symbol, may have two identifiable characteristics, which are bothrepresented in the location relating to that symbol in the respectivearea, whereby to provide for enhanced gaming options. Each symbol mayhave a colour characteristic associated therewith. Preferably thesymbols alternate with regard to their coloured characteristic along thesequence of symbols. Preferably one of said symbols has its own colournot shared with any other symbol in the set.

The generating means may comprise a plurality of reels, each of whichhas a set of symbols therearound, and each of which relates to an area.Preferably the symbols and the sequence of the symbols on each reel isthe same as the symbols and the sequence of the locations relating tothe symbols in the corresponding area.

Preferably each reel is aligned with the associated area on the gamingregion to facilitate play.

Alternatively, or in addition, the generating means may comprise aplurality of roulette-type wheels, one or more roulette wheelscomprising a plurality of balls, means to select balls or other objectsfrom sets of the same bearing symbols, computer means or any othersuitable means for randomly generating symbols from predetermined setsof symbols. The reels, wheels, objects, balls etc. may be real, virtual,simulated or combinations thereof.

The apparatus may comprise further gaming regions at which a user canselect defined locations relating to predetermined combinations ofsymbols.

The apparatus may comprise a further gaming region which defines twolocations relating to each set of symbols, one of said locationsrelating to a part of the set of symbols and the other said location toanother other part. Preferably each location relates to a part of equalsize to the other in a set, according to one or both characteristics ofthe symbol. Preferably each location comprises two sub-locations, onerelating to one characteristic of that part and the other to the othercharacteristic. Selection means generally as described above is providedto enable sub-locations to be selected together by a single selection,or independently.

The apparatus may comprise a still further gaming region which defines aplurality of still further locations relating to predetermined groups ofsymbols within a set of symbols and/or between sets of symbols. Thestill further locations may relate to groups of symbols in more than oneand desirably all the areas. Preferably one or more, and desirably eachgroup comprises more than two symbols in a set. Preferably selectionmeans, generally as above, is provided to enable selection of said stillfurther locations by a user during use.

Preferably the apparatus comprises means to calculate the sum of symbolsgenerated where said symbols have a numerical value characteristic. Theapparatus may provide a sum gaming region comprising sum gaminglocations each relating to a predetermined sum figure or figures.Preferably each sum gaming location is selectable by a user, and mayrelate to a range of sum figures.

The apparatus preferably further comprises processing means operable tocompare symbols generated by the generating means and symbols relatingto (a) location(s) selected by a user in play and to determine whetherthe player has successfully predicted the symbols generated. Preferablythe processing means also determines the probability of a user selectingthe symbols generated in the light of the locations selected anddetermines any reward or pay out to the user, preferably according to apredetermined fixed-odds system. Preferably the apparatus comprisesreward dispensing means, such as credit, money, ticket, voucher ortokens dispensing means for dispensing reward to a user.

Preferably the apparatus is actuated upon insertion of appropriatecredit by a user, which credit may be in the form of tokens, money,credit cards or other payment means. Alternatively credit may be made tothe apparatus remotely, such as electronically. For example a user couldgive credit to a terminal or a person remotely positioned from theapparatus and that terminal or person then arranges for appropriatecredit to be provided in the apparatus. Preferably the number oflocations selectable during play is determined by the amount of creditin the apparatus.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a methodfor a user to play a game comprising the steps of providing a gamingregion defining a plurality of areas each of which comprises locationsrelating to respective symbols within a set of symbols, providingselection means to enable a user to select one or more locations in twoor more of the areas with a single selection, randomly generating aplurality of symbols, each symbol being one in a predetermined set ofsymbols; comparing the symbols generated and the locations selected, anddetermining whether the user made a successful prediction in relation tothe symbols generated.

A user may select a plurality of locations within each area. Preferablythe user can select more than one location within an area with a singleselection. Preferably a user can make a selection in one areaindependently of any selection in that or another area.

Preferably a user can select a plurality of locations where saidlocations are mutually adjacent by a single selection. Preferably a usercan select a plurality of adjacent locations by selecting a boundarybetween the locations.

Preferably a user selects a location according to the symbol representedon that location.

Preferably a generated symbol is generated using random symbolgenerating means substantially as described above. Preferably symbolsare generated having two identifiable characteristics, such as anumerical value and colour. Preferably a user makes a selectionaccording to his choice of one or both of the characteristics of asymbol at a given location.

Preferably locations can be selected which relate to predeterminedgroups and/or combinations of symbols at further, still further and sumgaming regions as described above.

Preferably the method according to the present invention comprises theuse of apparatus as described above.

The invention also provides a computer program for performing the stepsof the method as above.

The invention also provides a memory device embodying the computerprogram as described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic cross-section of gaming apparatus according tothe present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a gaming screen of the apparatus of FIG. 1according to the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating steps of the method and use of theapparatus in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings and in particular FIGS. 1 and 2, apparatus 10for play by a user comprises generating means 12 operable to randomlygenerate a plurality of symbols, each symbol being one in apredetermined sets of symbols, a gaming region 14 defining a pluralityof areas 16 a, 16 b, 16 c, each of which comprises locations 18 a (a-m),18 b (a-m) and 18 c (a-m) respectively, relating to respective symbolswithin a set of symbols, and selection means to enable the selection ofone or more locations in two or more areas with a single selection.

In more detail, the apparatus 10 comprises a cabinet or body 20 whichhouses the various components as will be discussed. The embodimentdescribed is only one particular embodiment, particularly suitable foruse in casinos, gaming arcades, betting shops and for other public use.It will be appreciated however that the apparatus could take anysuitable form, such as a computer console, personal games console, aboard game, a gaming table, etc.

In this embodiment, the apparatus 10 comprises means 21 of generallyconventional arrangement to enable a user to insert credit into theapparatus 10 to activate the apparatus for use. Other generallyconventional components of the apparatus 20 include pay out means showndiagrammatically at 22 which provide for the payout of any prize orreward achieved by a user, in any suitable format, such as coins,tokens, tickets, vouchers, credits or other prizes.

A gaming screen 24 is provided on the cabinet 20 to face a player duringuse. The gaming screen according to this particular embodiment isillustrated in FIG. 2.

The gaming screen comprises a gaming region 14 defining the three areas16 a, b, c in the form of columns each of which comprises a sequence ofthirteen locations 18 a (a-m), 18 b (a-m), 18 c (a-m). The number ofareas 18 a, b, c, is the same as the number of symbols generated Eacharea 16 a, 16 b and 16 c comprises a complete set of symbols, which inthis embodiment comprises thirteen consecutive whole numbers from 0-12,in numerical order, each number being located in a respective location18 a (a-m), 18 b (a-m) and 18 c (a-m) within each respective area.Corresponding numbers are aligned between the respective areas 16 a, b,c.

A second characteristic is associated with each symbol, which in thisembodiment is a colour. All the odd numbers are associated with thecolour red (illustrated by letter ‘R’). It is preferred that thebackground around each symbol (in this embodiment the ellipse) iscoloured red to depict this. All the even numbers are associated withthe colour black (‘B’), and again the respective ellipses are colouredaccordingly. The symbol “0” is associated with the colour green (G), andthe ellipse therearound is represented in a green colour.

These colours are specifically chosen as they are the colours of aconventional roulette wheel, and using these colours provides somefamiliarity to a user with certain aspects of the present game andapparatus and thereby assisting a user in understanding and playing thenovel apparatus and method of the present invention.

The random symbol generating means 12 comprises processing meansoperable to randomly select one symbol from a predetermined set ofsymbols. The means 12 is located remotely from the rest of the apparatus10 as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1. The means 12 may be locatedremotely, but within the establishment in which the apparatus is sited,or outside the establishment and connected to the apparatus byappropriate connection means such as an ISDN line or the like.

In this embodiment, the generating means 12 randomly generates a singlenumber from each of three, identical sets of numbers comprising theintegers 0-12 inclusive and the three generated numbers are displayed inthe generated symbol display region 26 of the gaming screen 24 so thateach clearly relates to a respective area 16 a, b, c. In thisembodiment, the numbers are displayed as being on virtual or simulatedreels 27 a, b, c, on the screen 24 with an indicator 28 provided toidentify the win line on the reels. A reel is aligned with a respectivearea 16 a, b, c. It will be appreciated however that the reels could bereal, tangible reels and associated actuation mechanism would beprovided.

In FIG. 2, the generating means 12 has randomly generated three greenzeros.

Once all the necessary symbols have been generated, or duringgeneration, the generating means 12 sends signals, showndiagrammatically along the dotted line 30 to the region 26 for thedisplay of the symbols in the region 26. Corresponding signals are alsosent as shown diagrammatically along the line 32 to a processor 34. Itwill be appreciated that appropriate signals could be sent from thegenerating means 12 to the processor 34 which in turn sends signals tothe region 26, without any direct communication between the means 12 andthe region 26.

The gaming region 14 provides for the selection by a user of at leastone location in each area 16 a, b, c. Sensing means 44 is provided todetect which location(s) has been selected by a user during play. Inthis embodiment, the gaming region 14 comprises a touch sensitive screenhaving sensing means 44 of generally known technology sensitive to thetouch of the screen by a user.

When a user selects a location 18 a(a-m), 18 b (a-m), 18 c(a-m), asignal is sent from the sensing means 44 to the processor 34, as showndiagrammatically along the line 36. It will be appreciated thatprovision can be made for a user to de-select one or more locationsselected, using the “CANCEL LAST” and “CANCEL ALL” buttons 38 a, 38 b.

An important characteristic of the present invention is that theapparatus 10 enables a user to select one or more locations in differentareas 16 a, b, c with any one selection. This enables the user to placeso called “split bets”.

A user can select two locations within one area by touching the boundarybetween the two locations. When the user makes a selection, a locationis highlighted perhaps by way of illumination. When a user touches aboundary between adjacent locations in adjacent areas, the two locationsjoined by the boundary are likewise highlighted to show the usersselection. The user can choose to select two locations in each area, orhe may select two locations in adjacent areas or both, using a singleselection. For example, if a player contacts the boundary between region18 ab and 18 bb, then both locations 18 ab and 18 bb will be selectedwith one selection. As a further example, if a player selects theboundary between locations 18 af and 18 ag then both of these locationsare selected with one selection. If a player selects the boundarybetween locations 18 ab, 18 bb, 18 ac and 18 bc, by contacting thescreen at the point where the boundaries of the four locations meet,then those four locations will be selected and highlighted by a singleselection.

An alternative or additional way of indicating a selection is for animage to be displayed at the point of selection. Such an image could bean image of a betting chip, preferably displaying the value of the chip(see later).

Generally, the number of selections a player can make in any one game isdetermined by the amount of credit within the apparatus 10 and the valueof any wager or bet he wished to place on each selection. Furthermore,the number and nature of selections made by a user will determine theprobability of the user successfully predicting the symbols that will begenerated by the generating means and displayed in the region 26. Thegreater the probability of a user making a successful prediction themore likely he is to achieve a win and generally the smaller thepotential reward or “pay out” that will be dispensed by the apparatus10.

In use, and in accordance with the method of the present invention, aplayer activates the apparatus 10 by inserting appropriate credit viathe credit input means 21, which the apparatus accepts and recognisesaccording to known means. The amount of credit inserted will determinethe number of selections a player can make in any one game, taking intoaccount the value of any wager or bet the player wishes to place on eachselection.

Once the apparatus 10 is activated, the player selects a value of wagerhe wishes to use to place on a selection. An area 29 on the screendisplays the range of values of betting chip a player can use and thuswagers he can place. Provision may be made for the value of a selectedchip to be increased according to the number of times a player selectsthat chip in any one selection process. To make his selection of chipand hence the value of wager to be placed a player touches the relevantchip image in the area 29. If sufficient credit is available in theapparatus the chip selection is successful, and the player now makes hisselection of location(s) by touching the screen in the gaming region atthe point of desired selection and preferably the location(s) selectedare highlighted to identify the selections made as described above. If aplayer wishes to cancel a selection he can do so using one of the‘cancel’ keys 38 a, 38 b.

The player may then select another chip and make a further selection,and then another and so on, until he has made all the selections hewishes and/or the credit in the apparatus will allow.

The player is essentially trying to predict which three symbols, if notall, will be generated. If the player chooses to make “split bets” byselecting a plurality of adjacent locations within and/or between areas16 a, b and c, then he will increase the probability of a singleselection successfully predicting one more of the symbols generated bythe generating means 12 and therefore increase the probability of a win,but the potential reward or payout will be reduced accordingly.

As mentioned above, it is an important feature of the present inventionfor a user to be able to make “split bets” of this kind. Thisconsiderably increases the complexity and sophistication of the game,the betting odds and permutations and thus the interest to a user.

Once a player has made his desired selections, he formally inputs theseby pressing the input key 42 and the generating means 12 then randomlygenerates three symbols, one from each set corresponding to the set ofsymbols comprised in the respective area 16 a, 16 b and 16 c. In thisembodiment the symbols in each set are the same, but they could bedifferent.

Once the random symbols have been generated they are displayed in thedisplay region 26 for the user to visually compare and determine whetherhe has been successful in selecting the appropriate locations in therespective area 16 a, 16 b, 16 c relative to the symbol generated inrelation to that area.

Signals relating to the symbols generated are sent from the randomsymbol generating means 12 to the processor 34. Signals are also sentfrom the sensing means 44, associated with the touch screen 24 to theprocessor 34. Using these signals, the processor 34 compares symbolsgenerated by the generating means with those selected by the user anddetermines whether the user was successful in predicting what symbolswould be generated in relation to which area. If the user has beensuccessful, then the processor 34 sends an appropriate signal, showndiagrammatically along the broken line 46, to the pay out means 22 whichdispenses appropriate reward and payment to a collection pocket 48 onthe outside of the apparatus, accessible to a user.

In its simplest form the symbols comprise numbers or other singlecharacteristic which is used to identify that symbol. A user thereforeattempts to predict which symbols will be generated according to thatsingle characteristic. However, as described above each symbol may havemore than one characteristics, such as numerical value and colour, andthe apparatus and method may provide means for the user to makepredictions in relation to one or more, or all of said characteristics.

To illustrate use by example with reference to FIG. 2, if a player hasselected location 18 aa with one selection using a betting chip of value£10, and locations 18 bb and 18 cb using a single, split-bet selectionusing a betting chip of £5 and the location 18 ca and 18 cb with asingle split-bet using a betting chip of £2, the credit required in theapparatus to make all three selections has to be at least £17. Uponconfirmation of the selections made, the generating means generatesthree symbols, in this example each relating to the number “0”.

The player therefore successfully predicted the symbol selected inrelation to area 16 a. The probability of achieving this was 12:1 and sohis reward or win will be £120 (12× the value of his wager). With regardto the second selection of locations 18 bb and 18 cb he was unsuccessfulin predicting the symbols generated in relation to areas 16 b, 16 c andso won nothing with this selection. With his final selection oflocations 18 ca, 18 cb, the player successfully predicted the symbolgenerated in relation to area 16 c, using a split bet. The probabilityof him successfully predicting the symbol generated in this example is6:1 and so his win is £12 (6× value of his wager).

His selections and related wins or losses are independent of oneanother.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, a further gaming region 50 is provided atwhich a user can select one or more further locations each relating to apredetermined group of symbols. The further gaming region 50 comprisesthree areas 50 a, 50 b, 50 c each associated with a respective generatednumber, and therefore each area 16 a, 16 b, 16 c. Each area 50 a, 50 b,50 c has four locations. Two of said locations (52 aa, 52 ab), (52 ba,52 bb), (52 ca, 52 cb) relate to a group of symbols within the set ofsymbols in each area 16 a, 16 b, 16 c. In this particular embodiment,location 52 aa relates to numbers 1-6, location 52 ab relates to numbers7-12, and both relate to area 16 a. Location 52 ba relates to numbers1-6 and location 52 bb relates to numbers 7-12 and area 16 b, andlocation 52 ca relates to numbers 1-6 and 52 cb relates to numbers 7-12and area 16 c.

The other two locations 54 aa, 54 ab 54 ba, 54 bb, 54 ca and 54 cb ineach respective area 50 a, b, c relate to the second characteristic, inthis embodiment the colour, of the numbers 1-12 within each set.Therefore, the region 54 aa relates to the colour red (R), 54 ab relatesto the colour black (B). Similarly location 54 ba relates to the colourred and 54 bb to the colour black and 54 ca to the colour red and 54 cbto the colour black in respect of area 16 b and 16 c respectively.

The gaming region 54 therefore provides an additional region at which auser can place bets or predictions by selecting one or more of saidlocations 52, 54.

For example, if a user selects locations 54 aa, 54 ba and 54 cb, and thecolour characteristics of the symbols that are randomly generated duringthat game are red, red, black respectively, then the user has achievedthree wins, although each is effectively independent of the others.

By way of further example, if a player selects location 52 aa, 52 bb and52 cb, then if the random symbol generated in relation to area 16 a isone of numbers 1-6, the symbol generated in relation to area 16 b areone of numbers 7-12 and the symbol generated in respective of area 16 cis one of numbers 7-12, then the user will have again predictedcorrectly in relation to all areas and will have achieved a win.However, if a player selects the same locations 51 aa, 52 bb and 52 cb,then if the respective numbers generated are 2, 2 and 8, the player willhave only successfully predicted in relation to area 16 c and will onlyreceive a single win accordingly. As before, the player can select thevalue of chip and hence wager to place on each selection and the winwill be determined by the probability of that selection being correctmultiplied by the value of the wager or bet placed on that selection.

It will be appreciated that the probability of predicting a win perselection is greater in this region 50 than in the region 14 andtherefore the potential win rewards would generally be less than thoseachievable by play in region 14.

As with play in region 14, split bets can be placed by a user byselecting a plurality of adjacent locations by selecting the boundarybetween those locations. In the region 50 however it is not envisagedthat split bets would be normally appropriate between areas, althoughthis possibility may be provided.

It is also possible for a user to make selections in both of the gamingregions 14 and the further gaming region 50, provided appropriate creditis available where credit is required.

A third gaming region 56 may be provided which provides a furtherplurality of selectable locations 60 a, 60 b, 60 c relating to furtherpredetermined groups of symbols. Location 60 a relates to numbers 1-4,and enables a user, upon selecting location 60 a to place, with a singleselection, a prediction that the number generated in each area 16 a, b,c will be one of the numbers 1, 2, 3 or 4. This region therefore enablesa player to make a single selection across all of the areas 16 a, b, c.

Similarly, selection of location 60 b will enable a single selection tobe used to predict that the numbers generated will each be between 5 and8, and for location 60 c, for numbers between 9 and 12. It is also apossibility that split bets can be placed between adjacent locations 60a, 60 b and 60 b and 60 c, by selecting the boundary between thoserespective locations. Clearly, the amount of any win achieved by a userresulting from successfully predicting outcomes based upon selection ofthe location 60 a, 60 b, 60 c will generally be significantly less thanthe wins awarded to successful predictions during play of region 14, perunit of value of selection.

The apparatus may further provide means to calculate the sum of thenumerical value of each symbol generated by the generation means 12during play. The sum figure is preferably displayed, and in thisembodiment it is displayed on the win line indicator 28. Calculating thesum of the numbers generated provides a further opportunity for afurther wager, selection or bet to be placed by a user.

In this regard further locations 62, 64, 66 and 68 are provided on thegaming screen 24, each of which relates to a range of sum figures. Forinstance, location 62 relates to the sum figures of between 1 and 9,location 64 to figures between 10 and 18, location 66 to figures between19 and 27 and for location 68 for the total to be between 28 and 36.

A player may therefore choose to select one or more of these locations62, 64, 66, 68 as a further opportunity of predicting a win.

Two further locations 70 and 72 may be provided to enable a user toplace a bet on whether all of the symbols generated will have aparticular colour characteristic, red (location 70) or black (location72).

The selection in all of the regions, in the present embodiment, is byappropriate contact by a user with the touch sensitive screen 24. A usercan make selection in any one or more of the regions, generally providedsufficient credit is available in the apparatus.

It will be appreciated that various embodiments may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The numberof symbols in a set of symbols can be varied, and it is possible thatthe number and/or nature of symbols may be different in respective sets.The number of symbols generated by the generating means may be greaterthan, or less than, the three indicated in the present embodiment, andthe nature of the generating means 12 can take any suitable form. Thesymbols may have numerical characteristics and/or other identifiablecharacteristics. The invention is described above as a gaming apparatusof electrical or electronic nature. It is within the scope of thepresent invention to provide a gaming table or board comprising thegaming region, and/or symbol generating means manually operable togenerate symbols, such operation preferably being conducted by acroupier or similar, or a player. The selection of locations and thevalue of wagers can be done using tangible objects such as chips and thedetection of selections and determination of wins carried out by acroupier or other operative.

The embodiment described above presents the generated numbers on virtualreels. An alternative embodiment may be mechanical reels which incertain circumstances may provide greater aesthetic appeal and enjoymentto a user. Alternative or additional number generating means can beprovided, such as means to randomly select balls or objects bearingappropriate symbols, from one or more sets of balls or objects. Suchmeans may include means to randomly select such objects by blowing themto a selection position. A further number generating arrangement maycomprise a plurality of roulette wheels, or wheels based upon roulettewheels, such wheels possibly comprising a plurality of roulette balls,and may be tangible or virtual. The generating means may be locatedremotely from the rest of the apparatus or as described above within thebody 20.

Alternatively or in addition the generating means is operable torandomly generate a predetermined combination of symbols from areference set comprising all possible symbol combinations that could beproduced using one symbol from each of the predetermined sets ofsymbols. This enables the generating means to make only one randomgeneration which could produce a combination of symbols, each symbolwith that combination relating to a location in a respective area on thegaming region.

The means for selecting locations may comprise sensing means to sensethe location of objects, such as tokens which may be placed at theappropriate location by a user. The sensing means may comprise touch,light, heat, and/or weight sensor(s). Identification of selection and/ordetermination of whether a win has been achieved and the value of anywin, may be carried out by a human operative, such as a croupier,especially if the apparatus is provided for use in a casino or similarenvironment.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, the results of the last twenty games, orindeed any number of games predetermined, can be displayed at a displayarea 74 to provide information to a user.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention tothose features of the invention believed to be of particular importanceit should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respectof any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbeforereferred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particularemphasis has been placed thereon.

1. Apparatus for play by a user comprising generating means operable torandomly generate a plurality of symbols, each symbol being one in apredetermined set of symbols, a gaming region defining a plurality ofareas each of which comprises locations each relating to a respectivesymbol within a set of symbols, and selection means to enable theselection of one or more locations in two or more of the areas with asingle selection.
 2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which theselection means enables a user to select one or more locations within anarea independently of any selection in that or another area. 3.Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the selection means enables auser to select a plurality of locations within each area.
 4. Apparatusas claimed in claim 3, in which the selection means provides forselection of a plurality of locations within an area with a singleselection.
 5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which the selectionmeans provides for selection of a plurality of locations within an areawith a single selection where said locations are mutually adjacent. 6.Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, in which the selection means enablesselection of adjacent locations when a user selects a boundary betweensaid locations.
 7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the numberof areas in the gaming region is the same as the number of symbolsgenerated.
 8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the selectionmeans comprises one or more sensors operable to sense which location(s)have been selected by a user.
 9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, inwhich the selection means comprises one or more sensors operable tosense contact by a user, such as a touch sensitive screen.
 10. Apparatusas claimed in claim 8, in which the selection means comprises one ormore sensors operable to sense location of an object, such as a counter,betting chip or the like on the gaming region by a user.
 11. Apparatusas claimed in claim 9, in which the sensor(s) are heat, light, weightand/or touch sensitive.
 12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in whichthe identification of selected locations is made visually by anoperative of the apparatus, such as a croupier.
 13. Apparatus as claimedin claim 1, in which the selection means enables a user to make at leastthe same number of selections, per play of the apparatus, as the numberof symbols generated.
 14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which theapparatus comprises means to determine the number of selections a usercan make in any one game.
 15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14, in whichthe means determines the number of selections according to the amount ofcredit in the apparatus.
 16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in whicheach location in an area comprises a representation of a respectivesymbol from a set of symbols.
 17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, inwhich each area has a complete set of symbols associated therewith. 18.Apparatus as claimed in claim 16, in which each area has the same numberof locations as there are symbols in the respective set of symbols andeach location relates to its own symbol within the set.
 19. Apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, in which the generating means is operable torandomly generate a symbol corresponding to one symbol from apredetermined set of symbols.
 20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19, inwhich each symbol is generated independently of the others. 21.Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which a reference set is providedwhich comprises an index of all possible symbol combinations that couldbe produced using one symbol from each of the predetermined sets ofsymbols, and the generating means is operable to randomly select onecombination from the reference set.
 22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1,in which each set of symbols is the same.
 23. Apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, in which the symbols in each set comprise a sequence ofnumbers.
 24. Apparatus as claimed in claim 23, in which the symbols arerepresented in numerical order in the respective area.
 25. Apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, in which each symbol has two identifiablecharacteristics, which are both represented in the location relating tothat symbol in the respective area, whereby to provide for enhancedgaming options.
 26. Apparatus as claimed in claim 25, in which eachsymbol has a colour characteristic associated therewith.
 27. Apparatusas claimed in claim 26, in which the symbols alternate with regard totheir colour characteristic along the sequence of symbols.
 28. Apparatusas claimed in claim 26, in which one of said symbols has its own colournot shared with any other symbol in the set.
 29. Apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, in which the generating means comprises a plurality of reels,each of which has a set of symbols therearound, and each of whichrelates to an area.
 30. Apparatus as claimed in claim 29, in which thesymbols and the sequence of the symbols on each reel are the same as thesymbols and the sequence of the locations relating to the symbols in thecorresponding area.
 31. Apparatus as claimed in claim 29, in which eachreel is aligned with the associated area on the gaming region tofacilitate play.
 32. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which thegenerating means comprises a plurality of roulette-type wheels, one ormore roulette wheels comprising a plurality of balls, means to selectballs or other objects from sets of the same bearing symbols, computermeans or any other suitable means for randomly generating symbols frompredetermined sets of symbols.
 33. Apparatus as claimed in claim 29, inwhich the reels, wheels, objects, balls etc. are real, virtual,simulated or combinations thereof.
 34. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1,in which the apparatus comprises further gaming regions at which a usercan select defined locations relating to predetermined combinations ofsymbols.
 35. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the apparatuscomprises a further gaming region which defines two locations relatingto each set of symbols, one of said locations relating to a part of theset of symbols and the other said location to another part. 36.Apparatus as claimed in claim 35, in which each location relates to apart of equal size to the other in a set, according to one or bothcharacteristics of the symbol.
 37. Apparatus as claimed in claim 35, inwhich each location comprises two sub-locations, one relating to onecharacteristic of that part and the other to the other characteristic.38. Apparatus as claimed in claim 37, in which selection means generallyas described above is provided to enable sub-locations to be selectedtogether by a single selection, or independently.
 39. Apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, in which the apparatus comprises a still furthergaming region which defines a plurality of still further locationsrelating to predetermined groups of symbols within a set of symbolsand/or between sets of symbols.
 40. Apparatus as claimed in claim 39, inwhich the still further locations relate to groups of symbols in morethan one and desirably all the areas.
 41. Apparatus as claimed in claim39, in which one or more, and desirably each group comprises more thantwo symbols in a set.
 42. Apparatus as claimed in claim 39, in whichselection means, generally as above, is provided to enable selection ofsaid still further locations by a user during use.
 43. Apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, in which the apparatus comprises means to calculatethe sum of symbols generated where said symbols have a numerical valuecharacteristic.
 44. Apparatus as claimed in claim 43, in which theapparatus provides a sum gaming region comprising sum gaming locationseach relating to a predetermined sum figure or figures.
 45. Apparatus asclaimed in claim 44, in which each sum gaming location is selectable bya user.
 46. Apparatus as claimed in claim 44, in which each sum gaminglocation relates to a range of sum figures.
 47. Apparatus as claimed inclaim 1, in which the apparatus further comprises processing meansoperable to compare symbols generated by the generating means andsymbols relating to (a) location(s) selected by a user in play and todetermine whether the player has successfully predicted the symbolsgenerated.
 48. Apparatus as claimed in claim 47, in which the processingmeans also determines the probability of a user selecting the symbolsgenerated in the light of the locations selected and determines anyreward or pay out to the user.
 49. Apparatus as claimed in claim 48, inwhich the processing means determines any reward or pay-out according toa predetermined fixed-odds system.
 50. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1,in which the apparatus comprises reward dispensing means, such ascredit, money, ticket, voucher or token dispensing means for dispensingreward to a user.
 51. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which theapparatus is actuated upon insertion of appropriate credit by a user,which credit may be in the form of tokens, money, credit cards or otherpayment means.
 52. Apparatus as claimed in claim 51, in which credit ismade to the apparatus remotely, such as electronically.
 53. Apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, in which the number of locations selectable duringplay is determined by the amount of credit in the apparatus.
 54. Amethod for a user to play a game comprising the steps of: providing agaming region defining a plurality of areas each of which compriseslocations relating to respective symbols within a set of symbols,providing selection means to enable a user to select one or morelocations in two or more of the areas with a single selection, randomlygenerating a plurality of symbols, each symbol being one in apredetermined set of symbols; comparing the symbols generated and thelocations selected, and determining whether the user made a successfulprediction in relation to the symbols generated.
 55. A method as claimedin claim 54, in which a user selects a plurality of locations withineach area.
 56. A method as claimed in claim 55, in which the user canselect more than one location within an area with a single selection.57. A method as claimed in claim 55, in which a user can make aselection in one area independently of any selection in that or anotherarea.
 58. A method as claimed in claim 54, in which a user can select aplurality of locations where said locations are mutually adjacent by asingle selection.
 59. A method as claimed in claim 58, in which a usercan select a plurality of adjacent locations by selecting a boundarybetween the locations.
 60. A method as claimed in claim 54, in which auser selects a location according to the symbol represented on thatlocation.
 61. A method as claimed in claim 54, in which a generatedsymbol is generated using generating means operable to randomly generatea plurality of symbols, each symbol being one in a predetermined set ofsymbols, a gaming region defining a plurality of areas each of whichcomprises locations each relating to a respective symbol within a set ofsymbols, and selection means to enable the selection of one or morelocations in two or more of the areas with a single selection.
 62. Amethod as claimed in claim 61, in which symbols are generated having twoidentifiable characteristics, such as a numerical value and colour. 63.A method as claimed in claim 62, in which a user makes a selectionaccording to his choice of one or both of the characteristics of asymbol at a given location.
 64. A method as claimed in claim 54, inwhich locations can be selected which relate to predetermined groupsand/or combinations of symbols at further, still further and sum gamingregions defining a plurality of areas each of which comprises locationseach relating to a respective symbol within a set of symbols.
 65. Theuse of apparatus for play by a user comprising generating means operableto randomly generate a plurality of symbols, each symbol being one in apredetermined set of symbols, a gaming region defining a plurality ofareas each of which comprises locations each relating to a respectivesymbol within a set of symbols, and selection means to enable theselection of one or more locations in two or more of the areas with asingle selection.
 66. A computer program for performing the steps of themethod for a user to play a game comprising the steps of providing agaming region defining a plurality of areas each of which compriseslocations relating to respective symbols within a set of symbols,providing selection means to enable a user to select one or morelocations in two or more of the areas with a single selection, randomlygenerating a plurality of symbols, each symbol being one in apredetermined set of symbols; comparing the symbols generated and thelocations selected, and determining whether the user made a successfulprediction in relation to the symbols generated.
 67. A memory deviceembodying the computer program for performing the steps of the methodfor a user to play a game comprising the steps of providing a gamingregion defining a plurality of areas each of which comprises locationsrelating to respective symbols within a set of symbols, providingselection means to enable a user to select one or more locations in twoor more of the areas with a single selection, randomly generating aplurality of symbols, each symbol being one in a predetermined set ofsymbols; comparing the symbols generated and the locations selected, anddetermining whether the user made a successful prediction in relation tothe symbols generated.